The Starting Rotation
1. Mike Soroka
The unquestioned ace of the starting rotation, Soroka took off in 2019 making the All-Star team.
There have been some projections that suggest Soroka might take a step back this season, but I’m not buying it.
The big Canadian will anchor the rotation for years to come.
2. Ian Anderson
By far the most thought of starting pitcher in the system, Anderson was lights out at Double-A last season before stalling out at Triple-A.
But don’t let that fool you. Anderson has the look and makeup of a top of the rotation arm that will make his debut this year.
3. Max Fried
While Max Fried might not be on the same level as Soroka or Anderson, he is a viable middle of the rotation starter that came into his own in 2019.
With a power fastball and deadly curveball, Fried went 17-6 with a 4.02 ERA last season.
4. Kyle Wright
Once thought of as the best arm in the system, Kyle Wright hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet, but he will get his chance to make the club this spring.
The 2017 first-round pick has done well at Triple-A, but cannot take that success to the big leagues.
But there is too much talent to not think he can be a capable MLB starting pitcher.
5. Kyle Muller
Based on the offseason videos Kyle Muller has made, there might not be a more intriguing arm in the Braves system.
At 6-5 and 225 pounds (last year’s weight), Muller is a power pitcher who has top of the rotation upside.
Conclusion:
Of course, this is not how things are going to end up. More than one of these prospects or young players will not pan out.
But with the amount of money the Braves have coming off the books, coupled with the crazy cheap contracts of some of the young players, the Braves can be extremely active in free agency.
Also, there are some notable prospects like Bryse Wilson or William Contreras that might not have a spot and could be moved for upgrades.
Even if some prospects don’t turn out like all of us had hoped, going the free-agent route just might make the most sense anyway.